Need a Washeteria/Laundromat in Houston for a multi-model shoot ASAP!

[Hotrodguru]

Have a concept and need a washeteria/laundromat in the Houston area stat! Wanted to shoot either the 18th, 19th or 20th if this month so REALLY need to lock down a spot this weekend.

Willing to shoot afterhours or before they open and even pay a reasonable amount for the location. Anyone done any shooting in a washeteria that could help out?

Jay

[S-Man]

Only washateria's I know of are ratty and stuff. You looking for higher end type or the ghetto kind?

[ronocnikral]

step 1. drive around until you find the laundromat of your choice.
step 2. get out of car.
step 3. talk to manager.
step 4. pay manager what is required.
step 5. do your shoot.
step 6. go home.

[venchka]

Sounds like a plan. Is a manager usually on duty?

[ronocnikral]

if not, you can skip steps 3 and 4. unless this is going to be commercial, then i would want to keep it legal and find a way to call the manager and get permission.

i don't really know if there is someone there or not. i am fortunate enough to not have to frequent these places. although, in college i was excited for the laundromat because hollywood had hyped me up on hot girls folding panties 24/7 and "tristes."

come to find out, my college was like 75% male and the laundry center was a place i strongly detested.

[Robin Binder]

I have called several managers; many never called me back. went to some and they said no. I wanted to do a concept workshop at one but I finally gave up after the last one that said yes wanted $900 for the locaton.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

You could just walk in with SOME LAUNDRY and the models and shoot while doing said laundry.

Usually if you look around the new immigrant heavy parts of town you can find all sorts of laundromats (many with newer equipment-since it is a cash business some use it as a front to launder more than dirty clothes so they put in nice machines) without "managers" on property- or just an old lady who makes sure that nothing is getting torn up. Just be sure not to include signage that names the laundromat. I bet I could find you several places in the East Dallas area but alas your a bit south.

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by DEMDeepEllumMusic

Usually if you look around the new immigrant heavy parts of town you can find all sorts of laundromats

If the place is crowded wear military fatigues with border patrol patches. You will have the place all to yourself in three minutes.

[Hotrodguru]

First off, secured a laundromat for my shoot :). Now to respond to a few of the replies.

Originally Posted by S-Man

Only washateria's I know of are ratty and stuff. You looking for higher end type or the ghetto kind?

In between a nice clean looking one/high end. Mainly newer machines and not so cramped.

Originally Posted by ronocnikral

step 1. drive around until you find the laundromat of your choice.
step 2. get out of car.
step 3. talk to manager.
step 4. pay manager what is required.
step 5. do your shoot.
step 6. go home.

Easier said than done. If one or two models cake, but going to be shooting multiple models with a few MUA's and a hairstylist. I did make the rounds and spoke to several owners etc... Most said to call them back or they would get with me and I would never hear from them or get returns from my voicemails.

Originally Posted by RmgB

I have called several managers; many never called me back. went to some and they said no. I wanted to do a concept workshop at one but I finally gave up after the last one that said yes wanted $900 for the locaton.

This +12456214. Spoke to quite a few owners, etc...and did offer to rent the location for a reasonable cost. Was lucky to find one nice spot. Will speak to the owner this weekend to remind him of the date of the shoot.

[richardsfault]

Originally Posted by Hotrodguru

Have a concept and need a washeteria/laundromat in the Houston area stat! Wanted to shoot either the 18th, 19th or 20th if this month so REALLY need to lock down a spot this weekend.

Whenever possible, I find locations first and then develop concepts around them rather than coming with a concept and hoping a specific type of location can be found.

[bzboy]

I know someone who owns a washeteria, and would love to work with you for a nominal fees.

[ka5txl]

Originally Posted by ronocnikral

.... although, in college i was excited for the laundromat because hollywood had hyped me up on hot girls folding panties 24/7 and "tristes."

I found the greatest success back then was to act helpless trying to fold fitted sheets. It seemed to bring out the maternal instinct.

[Hotrodguru]

Originally Posted by richardsfault

Whenever possible, I find locations first and then develop concepts around them rather than coming with a concept and hoping a specific type of location can be found.

While a realistic and good way to approach things I think it can limit your creativity. I tend to think of a concept first then try to do whatever possible to make it happen. Sometimes locations or parts of the idea/concept are hard to pull off but I find that it challenges you to make it happen.

Originally Posted by bzboy

I know someone who owns a washeteria, and would love to work with you for a nominal fees.

PM me the details and or contact info so we can chat ASAP.